Riding and roping, cowboy cookouts on the range, toasty bonfires under the stars, magnificent scenery, and down-home hospitality will leave you with unique and treasured memories for a lifetime.

Within the trademark rolling prairie landscape and tucked away in the beautiful Saskatchewan River valley, this working ranch lies along the picturesque shores of Lake Diefenbaker. The ranch and scenery will remind you of an old fashion Western movie from times long ago. The land is a mixture of stretches of prairies with open range riding, contrasting canyons, river hills and the sandy beaches of the lake. With 9 miles of river frontage, the peaceful spot in the river hills welcomes guests for an intimate, real-life ranch experience where you can immerse yourself in the traditional daily chores, delicious and hearty cowboy fare and plenty of the fresh, pristine air that one lacks in their urban life. The nature surrounding the ranch changes with the season, from the pretty purple crocus crops in the spring to the pink flowering cactus of summer to the splendor of the golden fall. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable ranch vacation in the middle of Canada, a massive country which often has it's expansive central landscapes left unexplored in comparison to the draw of the coastal provinces. In truth, the rest are missing out; the province of Saskatchewan offers eco-tourism not only an exceptional horseback riding countryside, but world-class fishing, kayaking, hiking and hunting as well, with warm and welcoming locals to boot. Come rise with the sun, work hard and play hard, then relax with us under the stars of a delightful and fragrant prairie evening. As time passes us by, some things may change down here on the ranch, but what will always remain constant are the spectacular sunsets, and the breeze on your face as you ride open range in the saddle of a horse that you love, with the peace of mind only a cowboy can attest to.

We offer round-trip ground transportation between Saskatoon International Airport and the ranch. Pick up transfer in Saskatoon will be between 12pm and 9pm, drop off leaving the ranch from 6am to 2pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Arrival is is possible any day of the week if you are driving in.
Possible to pick up from Kyle, SK (bus from Saskatoon) or Swift Current, SK (bus from Calgary) for a small fee. Need to inquire for cost.
Check in 3 pm. Check out 12 pm.

Itinerary for
Saskatchewan River Valley Ranch

We do a lot of horseback riding at the ranch, because there is nothing better than being in the saddle of a horse! All guests are welcome to participate in the cattle and ranch work. We have to check and move cows on a daily basis and if necessary we may have to catch some calves and treat them. After the 'famous' breakfast each morning, we saddle the horses together and take off for an exciting day of riding as we check the herds and explore the large property. Beginner riders will receive some basic western riding lessons. Best way to learn and to improve confidence is out on the trail. Guests are welcome to participate in ranch and cattle work. We have to check and move cows on a daily basis, and if necessary, cattle need to be caught and treated or ear tagged. While there is a lot to do every day, we do not forget to relax and have a good lunch break with a coffee, enjoy beans and sausages cooked over an open fire and take a nice snooze in the sun. And from time to time, throughout the summer months, we pack up the horses for an overnight trip and camp out under the stars!When we are not in the saddle, there are plenty of other activities to get into. During the summer months, guests can walk down to Lake Diefenbaker for great swimming, boating, canoeing, water-skiing and fishing. The large ranch property invites to explore the untouched wildlife with deer, coyotes, foxes and owls, and overhead a Golden Eagle or a pair of Pelicans, while hiking in the rolling hills. Or find a private spot along 200-kilometers of sandy beaches with a book and enjoy the R&R! In the evening, we do what the cowboys do. Play game of horseshoes together, enjoy a cowboy sing-a-long beside the crackle of a romantic campfire, practice dummy steer roping, try some archery or go for a visit to the famous White Bear Saloon in the nearby town. But we also have our own 'saloon' here at the ranch, where there is a pool table, foosball and dart games available. Sometimes we just listen to some of our favorite country music and sit in the hot tub under the stars.

Area Attractions The area around the ranch is steeped in ranching tradition and prairie history. Experience the rodeo trail and the life of competing cowboys firsthand at a nearby small town rodeo. We are happy to organize rodeo trips whenever possible. They can be booked directly at the ranch. Not far away are the high lands of the Cypress Hills, Fort Walsh, the first settlements of the Northwest Mounted Police and the Great Sand Hills, a semi-desert of sand dunes rising mysteriously from the plains. These guided tours can be booked at the ranch as well. Within a 20-minute drive you will also find a full size golf course, mini golf putting course, houseboat tours, historic museums, and a sporting Marina. A 45-minute drive will take you to a western store or shopping malls.

Special Events 2018:

Season Opening (May 19th)
First week of the season: Guests will get the taste of cowboys daily spring jobs while calves still come to life. Join us on our daily horseback trips to the pastures to check the herd, treat or ear tag new born if necessary. Fences need to be checked and fixed. The cattle facilities at the headquarters need to be prepared and set up for the upcoming branding.

Round Up and Branding the Offspring: (Between May 31st and June 9th) Actual roundup and branding takes place around June 6-8
One of the most popular times at the ranch is early June, when the cattle are rounded up for an old-time authentic branding. Everyone will have the chance to learn how to rope and to participate in the hard work of the cowboys. Guests should plan to visit for at least ten days to become acquainted with the operation and their horse before branding day.
Fall Round-Up (October 6 - October 13)
The last week of the season, cattle have to be rounded up on horseback and driven from the summer pastures to the headquarters of the ranch. The cattle will be counted, checked, vaccinated, and moved back out into the same or a different pasture. This is a great adventure for guest who love to ride and learn some skills about handling and driving cattle.

Other Info

We offer round-trip ground transportation between Saskatoon International Airport and the ranch. Pick up transfer in Saskatoon will be between 12pm and 9pm, drop off leaving the ranch from 6am to 2pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Arrival is is possible any day of the week if you are driving in.
Possible to pick up from Kyle, SK (bus from Saskatoon) or Swift Current, SK (bus from Calgary) for a small fee. Need to inquire for cost.
Check in 3 pm. Check out 12 pm.

All paces according to riding level, 5 to 7 hrs in the saddle per day. No nose to tail, but everybody has to stay within sight of guide.

Level:

(2
to
4
out of 5) Novice to Intermediate

Age:

Min
6

Weight:

Max
220 lbs

Riders:

Min
1 riders

Max
16 riders
(per riding group)

Max Capacity
20

Activities: A lot of horseback riding, because there is no better way to experience the cowboyway-of-life! After the famous and extensive breakfast, it is time for everybody to groom and saddle up the horses! Every guest will get a suitable horse to enjoy the time at the ranch. Pack your lunch and be ready to hid the trail for an exciting all day ride to check the herd and to explorer the large ranch property.

Beginners will receive some basic western riding lessons. Best way to learn and to improve confidence is out on the trail. Guests are welcome to participate in the cattle and ranch work. We have to check and move cows on a daily base, and if necessary, cattle need to be caught and treated or ear tagged. While there is a lot to do every day, we do not forget to relax and have a good lunch brake with coffee, either sandwiches or beans and sausages cooked over an open fire. A cowboy snooze to reenergize after a good meal it’s almost a rule. From time to time throughout the summer month, we pack up the horses for an exciting overnight trip/campout under the stars – a real cowboy dream far away from urban life.

Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following: (a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian . more

Climate for
Saskatchewan River Valley Ranch

The ranch is in a dry-prairie/savanna biome and experiences hot summers and very cold winters. There are four distinct seasons. Extreme temperatures range from -50°C in winter to 41°C (-58°F to 104°F) in summer. It is fairly dry; the average annual precipitation is 347.2 mm (13.7in). A positive aspect of the low precipitation is that it is sunnier than the average in Canada as a result, averaging 2,381 hours of bright sunshine annually. The extreme temperatures are also more tolerable on account of the typically low humidity. Although winters are long and severe, many people find the crisp atmosphere, lack of dampness and abundant sunshine of the Saskatchewan winter preferable to the mild temperatures of the gloomy and wet regions of Canada. The same can be said for the summer months as there are usually only a few days per year over 30C. Hot, humid days are infrequent and uncomfortably sticky summer nights extremely rare here. Exciting thunderstorms are common in the summer months.

What to Bring for
Saskatchewan River Valley Ranch

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel Documents and Travel Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Riding boots + Minichaps

Long-sleeved shirts - lightweight

Riding helmet (recommended) - there area few helemets available, however it is best if you bring your own

Riding gloves

Lightweight rainwear - poncho/slicker (recommended)

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Jacket or sweater for cool evenings - casual

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Shorts

Underwear and socks

Pyjamas

Light summer jacket

Comfortable shoes/sneakers

Swimsuit

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Camera

Bring your own water bottle

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

Video for
Saskatchewan River Valley Ranch

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Google Map for
Saskatchewan River Valley Ranch

Average Tour Ratings for
Saskatchewan River Valley Ranch

*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.

Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.

Accommodations for
Saskatchewan River Valley Ranch

Guests stay in western-style wood cabins decorated to make any cowboy or cowgirl feel right at home. There are six comfortable standard log-cabins that have two twin beds or one queen size bed, and with private washrooms with toilet and shower. There is also two 1.5-story cabins that have loft bedrooms, with enough space to accommodate up to 6 people in 2 double beds and 2 queen size bunk beds. Weekly cleaning is included. Bedding and toiletries are supplied - everything you need for your private home away from home!

Breakfast and supper are served in the Cookshouse. Guests and the LaReata crew eat our family-style meals together. Our cook prepares wholesome and plentiful cowboy cuisine which includes plenty of Canadian beef, home-baked goods and strong coffee. At breakfast we look out over the rolling hills and plan the day ahead. At supper-time we kick-back and share a few laughs about the day's adventures. We eat our lunch on the range, often with a campfire and some awesome campfire coffee. It sure beats eating your lunch in the office!
After a long day in the saddle, you can treat yourself to a relaxing soak in our hot tub. Once the sun sets, we sure hope you will come'on over to the Saloon. Our Old West Saloon has a pool table, foosball, darts and lots of country music. On many nights, some of the neigbors will stop by to see old friends and meet new ones. If the good times really get go'in, you might find yourself doing the two-step or learning to line dance.

Check-in: 3PM, Check-out 11PM

There is no Wi-Fi and very limited cell phone coverage at the guest camp. You are on vacation, so please enjoy your time away from all the electronic chatter.

Saskatchewan River Valley Ranch

All paces according to riding level, 5 to 7 hrs in the saddle per day. No nose to tail, but everybody has to stay within sight of guide.

Level:

(2
to
4
out of 5) Novice to Intermediate

Age:

Min
6

Weight:

Max
220 lbs

Riders:

Min
1 riders

Max
16 riders
(per riding group)

Max Capacity
20

Activities: A lot of horseback riding, because there is no better way to experience the cowboyway-of-life! After the famous and extensive breakfast, it is time for everybody to groom and saddle up the horses! Every guest will get a suitable horse to enjoy the time at the ranch. Pack your lunch and be ready to hid the trail for an exciting all day ride to check the herd and to explorer the large ranch property.

Beginners will receive some basic western riding lessons. Best way to learn and to improve confidence is out on the trail. Guests are welcome to participate in the cattle and ranch work. We have to check and move cows on a daily base, and if necessary, cattle need to be caught and treated or ear tagged. While there is a lot to do every day, we do not forget to relax and have a good lunch brake with coffee, either sandwiches or beans and sausages cooked over an open fire. A cowboy snooze to reenergize after a good meal it’s almost a rule. From time to time throughout the summer month, we pack up the horses for an exciting overnight trip/campout under the stars – a real cowboy dream far away from urban life.

Visa Requirement For
Saskatchewan River Valley Ranch

Passports
Passport valid for at least one day beyond the intended departure date from Canada required by all nationals referred to in the chart except the following:
(a) 1. Canadian citizens holding a Canadian Certificate of Identity, Canadian birth certificate or a certificate of Canadian citizenship;
(b) permanent residents of Canada with proof of status, ie Permanent Resident Card, Record of Landing, Returning Resident Permit or a Refugee Travel Document issued by the government of Canada to refugees who have been resettled in Canada;
(c) 2. citizens of the USA holding proof of citizenship (eg US birth certificate or US naturalisation papers).Note: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport or other approved document when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced as early as 1 January 2008. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.
(d) persons entering from St Pierre & Miquelon or the USA who are legal permanent residents of the USA and hold a US alien registration card (Green Card);
(e) 3. citizens of France who are residents of and entering from St Pierre & Miquelon.Note: (a) Children under 18 years must have information with them on the people responsible for their welfare, if travelling alone; this includes a letter of permission to travel from guardian(s), and also a letter from the custodian in Canada. (b) Depending on circumstance and nationality, certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination in order to receive their visas; this must be carried out by a physician on Canada's list of Designated Medical Practitioners.Passport Note
Visitors to Canada must satisfy an examining officer at the Port of Entry that they are genuine visitors, in good health, with no criminal convictions, and have sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Canada and to return to their country of origin, as well as evidence of confirmed onward reservations out of Canada. Persons under 18 years of age who are unaccompanied by an adult should bring with them a letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to travel to Canada.

Identity/travel documents issued to non-national residents of the country of issue, refugees or stateless persons are recognized for travel to Canada.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in chart above (visitor or transit) for stays of up to six months except the following:
(a) 4. holders of passports endorsed ‘British Subjects’ and ‘British Protected Persons’;
(b) 5. nationals of Bulgaria and Romania;
(c) those visiting Canada who, during that visit, also visit the USA or St Pierre & Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory) and return directly to Canada as visitors within the period authorised on their initial entry (or any extension thereto).

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
The Government of Canada refuses admission to: (a) holders of passports issued by the UK Government entitled 'British Temporary Resident's Passport'.

(a) A single-entry visa is still valid if used to visit the USA. (b) Persons wishing to attend a course of six months duration or less, at any level, do not require a study permit. However, if there is the possibility that you will extend your period of study in Canada, or if you are a full time student and wish to work on campus, you may apply for a study permit.
Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor: C$75 (single-entry); C$150 (multiple-entry). Family: C$400 (for families of six or more persons). Transit: free. Transit visas are necessary for all nationals who require a visitor visa. Although transit visas are not required by British citizens, they may be required by foreign nationals with British passports; check with the embassy or high commission for details. For further information on payment methods, contact the high commission. Prices are subject to frequent change.
Validity
Up to six months depending on circumstances of individual applicant. The determination regarding length of stay in Canada can only be decided by the examining officer at the port of entry, but visas cannot exceed the validity of the passport and cannot be longer than five years. If no actual departure date is indicated within the visitor’s passport, then the visitor will be required to depart within three months from the date of entry. Visitors must effect their departure from Canada on or before the date authorised by the examining officer on arrival. If an extension of stay is desired, an application must be made in writing to the nearest Canada Immigration Centre at least three weeks before the expiry of the visitor visa. Multiple-entry visas cannot be valid longer than passport. Transit visas are only allocated if a national's flight/onward journey is continuing within 24 hours. Single-entry visas can be used multiple times by nationals of St Pierre & Miquelon and the USA.
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy or high commission)
Working Days Required
10 days are required from receiving applications, but applications should be made at least one month prior to the intended date of departure. Certain nationals are subject to longer processing times. For urgent applications it is advised to apply in person. Same-day processing is available for applications made in person and 24-hour processing for those using the drop-in service.

Passport Required?

British

Yes

Australian

Yes

Canadian

1

USA

2

Other EU

3

Visa Required?

British

No/4

Australian

No

Canadian

N/A

USA

No

Other EU

5

Return Ticket Required?

British

Yes

Australian

Yes

Canadian

N/A

USA

No

Other EU

Yes

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.